Joseloff Asks RTM to Postpone SAFER Grant Decision

After meeting with representatives of the firefighters' union Thursday, First Selectman Gordon F. Joseloff is asking the Representative Town Meeting to postpone its consideration of the SAFER grant, scheduled for Tuesday's meeting.

Joseloff said he has sent the request to RTM Moderator Hadley Rose.

"I am encouraged by our discussions," Joseloff said of the meeting in a news release, without going into details. "The firefighters understand the town's dilemma about taking on new personnel at a time of higher pension and health costs."

The Board of Finance and two RTM committees have voted not to recommend accepting the $1.2 million Staffing for Adequate Fire & Emergency Response (SAFER) grant to hire eight new firefighters because they say the town can't afford the long-term costs after the grants expires.

Joseloff said he expected the union to send him a letter, which addresses the pension costs for the newly hired firefighters.